Released in 1993, Geronimo is about the well known Apache leader of the same name. The result is a historically accurate depiction that uses some of the best Native American acting talent of its time, including Joseph Running Fox, Nick Ramus and a young Black Cloud in his first film.
In a South Dakotan Indian reservation, an elder asks his grandson Shane, played by Black Cloud, to accompany him up to Albuquerque for an important meeting. As they are traveling, the elder tells Shane mysterious tales of magic, friendship and the afterworld. The 2003 film is suitable for both children and adults, with a lot to offer in terms of cultural and educational content. As the Los Angeles Times noted, even the Native American actors learned a lot during the filming about other tribal cultures.
This was the first film that really put Eddie Spears into the spotlight, in the role that gave him his nickname. He plays a Navajo who takes an expedition of personal development to prepare for a chance on the Olympic boxing team. However, trouble strikes as he is forced to question himself both in and out of the ring. For Black Cloud’s father figure and mentor, the greatest challenge isn’t teaching him to fight those around him, but teaching him to stop fighting himself.
Based on the book by Dee Brown, this 2007 film has three main characters who all strive for the same thing: acknowledgment of Native American land and culture. Black Cloud plays the smaller role of Chasing Crane, and the film itself managed to win six prime-time Emmy Awards—a rarity for a contemporary film about Native American culture.